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About The Author

About Paul Sikkema
Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand.
He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.

12 Comments

Nathan

Seriously considering picking this Toro 928 oae up in a few days. Thanks for the video. Would you recommend this over the husqrvana st327? Not the “p” model just regular 327, the price is comparable to this Toro in my area.

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December 12, 2018

Paul

Hi Nathan, The Husqvarna is very front heavy compared to the Toro 928. That means the Toro has much better traction and it won’t wear you out as quickly. I like the chute controls on the Toro better. Finally, The Husqvarna throws snow a long way – just like the Toro – but the Toro handles heavy, wet snow without clogging.

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December 13, 2018

Phil C.

Paul,
I live adjacent to Boston. I am on a limited budget. I was looking at the Toro Power Max 826 OXE, but read many of your comment answers to people living near Boston, which say that most of your popular snowblower picks are inadequate and therefore I need a heavy duty snowblower like the Toro Power Max HD 928 OAE, which of course about $350 more. What are your thoughts on this???

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November 16, 2018

Paul

Hi Phil, The main assumption is that people want a snow blower that will clear the 12-20 inches you can get and they also want to get it done as quickly as possible. The Power Max 826 will not plug on heavy/wet snow but it will be slower than the 928 or 1028. If you want a snow blower that will last a long time and get the job done – just not as fast as the 928 then it’s a good choice.

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November 16, 2018

James

Hello Paul,

Are you supposed to remove the tire to change the oil? Dismayed Toro went back to side discharge for oil drain plug. I’ve purchased a vacuum pump to suck oil out instead. Also, how does the automatic steering actually work? The machine senses the turn based on the pressure applied to the tire being used?

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November 3, 2018

Paul

Hi James, When you bring your snow blower into the dealer for service they don’t drain the oil – they suck it out with a vacuum pump into a closed storage system. Environmentally that reduces/eliminates oil contamination spills. That’s also why most walk-behind mowers no longer have an oil drain plug at all! That said,

I keep a 12-inch long piece of 1-inch PVC pipe around for a drain extension. It’s large enough to fit over the drain pipe and I can angle it down to a container. I use empty plastic ice cream containers. They have a wide top and you can snap the lid back on so they won’t spill. They are easy to store and take to a recycling center when full.

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November 4, 2018

James

Thanks Paul. I’m thinking of attaching a magnetic amber strobe light to maybe the metal(?) support bar that holds up the Quik-Stick gear box. Is this a ferrous metal?

Paul

James

Yes! Very well done! I have purchased the 928 OAE and am awaiting delivery.

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November 4, 2018

Boris

Based on your recommendation I just purchased a Toro Power Max HD 928 and I know I will be very happy. The one feature I wish it would have is the hand warmers. Can I purchase the hand warmer parts for the 1028 and install them on the 928? How about adding a second LED light?

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October 28, 2018

Paul

Hi Boris, According to Toro hand warmers are not available. They didn’t give a reason but I’ll guess the alternator on that engine is not strong enough for them. If you add an LED light make sure it’s for a snow blower. Snow Blower alternators don’t have a regulator so LED lights as you find on Amazon just flash.

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October 28, 2018

Steve

Hello Paul,

Love these walk around videos! I see that you bought the Toro 928 outright. To me, this is the best recommendation. If the Snowblower Guru buys it, it must be great. I do remember, though, that local conditions dictate a great deal. Thanks for doing this!

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October 18, 2018

I'll be glad you help you find the best snow blower. Please tell me the city, state and how large an area you want to clear. Cancel reply